Meet The R3P Team

Tony Amat; CEO

Tony Amat is currently a 5-time Emmy nominated producer for San Diego Film Consortium since 2019. Events he has done with Jodi Cilley, Founder include San Diego Film week, San Diego Film Awards from 2020 to current. Tony is involved with all SD Film Consortium activities at a producer level.

On the Photography side, Amat is with SD International ComicCon as a Marketing Photographer for 20 years. He was also the Photographer for the Eisner Awards . He was also involved with San Diego State football and basketball marketing from 2010 to 2018- on the field and on the court-doing the Marketing schedule. He does multiple corporate events throughout the year.

On the educational side, he is involved with San Diego County Office Of Education, and with SD City College putting on workshops and seminars and currently promoting the Photo 360 program, Industry Day and Film Summit Programs. Currently, In the process to start Film internships with local entities through his many contacts in the industry.

Steph Groce; COO

Stephen “Steph” Groce is a dynamic leader and entrepreneur based in San Diego, California, whose work spans business strategy, community impact, and creative industry innovation. He is the Founder and CEO of BUILT By PN Industries, Inc., and the Founder and CEO of Brag Brothers, Inc., the parent company behind Bragabilia Energy — a culturally driven food & beverage venture — and Bragabilia’s digital memorabilia and collectibles platform. Groce is also expanding his footprint in film and cinema production and financing, bringing a strategic and community-centered lens to emerging creative projects.
In addition to his business ventures, Groce is an equity owner in Big Rock Ranch, where he supports regenerative farming practices and sustainable land stewardship.
Groce holds an MBA in Strategic & Organizational Leadership and a Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice/Safety Studies, complemented by specialized certificates in neuroscience and business foundations. His expertise includes business development, asset protection, loss prevention management, and strategic partnerships, making him a sought‑after advisor across multiple sectors.
Deeply committed to civic engagement, Groce served as Chair of the City of San Diego’s Human Relations Commission, an Executive Board Member of the Clairemont Town Council, and an Advisory Board Member for the San Diego Police Department and FBI San Diego. As a Teen Entrepreneurship Coach, he empowers young innovators to develop and launch their own business ideas.
Recognized for his leadership and community impact, Groce continues to champion social equity, economic mobility, and community-centered innovation across business, film, agriculture, and emerging cultural industries.

Mauricio Navarro; CFO

Mauricio Navarro is a filmmaker, director of photography, editor, and musician whose work centers on independent cinema, community storytelling, and artistic collaboration. Born on December 6, 1983, in Toledo, Ohio, to Chilean parents, he moved with his family to Santiago, Chile in 1990, where much of his artistic identity developed. His creative journey began through music; at age 11 he started playing bass guitar after initially studying classical guitar at an art school in 1997. Music and film grew side by side as his main creative outlets, shaping the rhythm, tone, and emotional approach that later influenced his filmmaking.

After returning briefly to the United States in 2003, Mauricio went back to Santiago to formally study film. In 2006 he directed the short film Te Cuido, which won Best Short Film at the FECID Festival de Cine de las Ideas. He later gained professional production experience working as an Assistant Camera operator on the Chilean television show Yingo. In 2012 he completed an A/V Technical Associate degree with a specialization in post-production. The following year he relocated permanently to San Diego, California, where he continued building his career through independent projects, music videos, and collaborative productions while steadily investing in professional equipment and expanding his work as a cinematographer and editor.

Since 2022, Mauricio has become actively involved in the San Diego film community, collaborating with organizations such as the Coronado Film Festival, San Diego Film Awards, San Diego Film Week, and Film Consortium events. He has directed projects including the short film The D Note and the upcoming Shadow Over Jamul. In 2024 he began filming a large series of historical interviews for the San Diego History Center, documenting voices that contribute to the region’s cultural legacy. Mauricio is the director of R3 Productions LLC and founder of The Influence Films, where he focuses on filmmaking, mentorship, and educational opportunities for emerging creators. His work continues to blend his passions for cinema and music, often composing music for his own films while collaborating with artists across San Diego’s creative community.

David Sawicki; CCO

Award-Winning Producer David Sawicki believes in the power of Music and Video entertain and empower. Since 2020, he has created documentary shorts and podcasts video for author Maria E. Garcia and her internationally award winning book, “We Made San Diego”.

David is also an Award Winning musician preparing to launch an original musical series in the summer of 2026. A long-time member of the San Diego Film Consortium, David is also known for:

Anti-Heroine (actor-direction, 2023)
BTS Black Box Streaming Videos- Coronado Island Film Festival (Producer, 2022)
7th Annual San Diego Film Awards (Additional Crew, 2021)
Letters to Jimmy (Amazon Audible Audiobook, Producer, 2020)
Oracle (Music Composer, 2011)
Youth Under Construction (Producer-Composer 2003)

Dr. Susan Weinshanker; Curriculum Development Specialist

Dr. Susan JK Weinshanker is the Director of Knowledge Transfer for R3 Productions. Education has always been a passion of Dr. Susan JK Weinshanker. As a student she earned her Bachelor of Science, Master of Science and Doctorate in the 1980s and 90s in both Bio- Chemistry and Education from Rutgers University. Dr. Weinshanker is now pursing her associate’s degree in Film, Journalism, Media and Production this Spring her in San Diego so she will have the full collection. Dr. Weinshanker’s remarkable career highlights the profound impact a dedicated educator can have on both her students and her community. With over 40 years of experience, her commitment and strong belief that all students could succeed academically regardless of their circumstances is truly inspiring. Though retiring from the San Diego Unified School District in 2020, her passion for teaching and mentorship remains a priority through her active participation in ongoing educational programs and her volunteer work with local nonprofits. Her expertise in project-based learning and personalized instruction has been instrumental in transforming classrooms and achieving remarkable academic results. In addition, Dr. Weinshanker is a member of Toastmaster, a motivational speaker as well as an Actress and Voiceover performer. Dr. Weinshanker’s focus on inclusivity and individual student success reflects a deep and thorough understanding of what is needed for truly meaningful educational change and reform. Through her work, past and present, she not only teaches but also empowers others to embrace new strategies that reshape the future of education. Dr. Weinshanker’s ongoing and legacy is a testament to the power of continuous learning, innovation, and the belief that every student matters.

Rodney Regala; Chief Photographer

With more than 40 years behind the camera, Rodney Regala is a seasoned photographer who has captured thousands of faces, events, celebrations, meetings, and conventions. His work has taken him from intimate gatherings to large-scale productions, photographing a wide range of notable figures including celebrities, U.S. Presidents, Senators, Members of Congress, and local civic leaders. Rodney has earned the Master of Photography degree and the Certified Professional Photographer (CPP) designation from the Professional Photographers of America—recognitions that reflect both his technical expertise and dedication to the craft. Passionate about giving back to the photographic community, Rodney enjoys sharing the techniques and insights he learned from mentors and refined through decades of experience, helping photographers at all levels grow their skills and confidence behind the camera. 📷✨